Volvulus overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself.[1] The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines volvulus slightly differently as "abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction," which adds obstruction in the definition, and would be more clinically significant term.[2]
Pathophysiology
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is bowel obstruction, manifested as abdominal distension and vomiting. The other is ischemia (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of intestine. This causes severe pain and progressive injury to the intestinal wall, with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[3] Ultimately, this can result in necrosis of the affected intestinal wall, acidosis, and death. Acute volvulus therefore requires immediate surgical intervention to untwist the affected segment of bowel and possibly resect any unsalvageable portion.[4]
References
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ↑ The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. "KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of volvulus".
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005